Gridiron Girls - Marion County

MARION MARION COUNTY COUNTY

LLocated between the counties of Lamar and Walthall lies a place that is enriched in community and unity and decorated with strong love and school pride Marion County accounts for four schools which include Columbia High School, Columbia Academy, West Marion High School and East Marion High School. Each one of them so vividly interesting and uniquely different, yet all of them tie into one another united in sense of solidarity for their county The traditions and the culture of each school can be felt just by reading through their articles

The delight and adoration that each coach has when speaking of their respective schools is so apparent and inspiring. Each one of them beaming with such fulfillment and joy for their schools while also respecting and supporting each other and the entire community is so heart warming Marion County truly offers an incredible high school cheerleading experience and identity in each of these schools and we are thrilled to be able to highlight that with this publication

SINCERELY,

GRIDIRONGIRLS GRIDIRONGIRLS

MAMIE

LIZZIE

TANIA PATRICK

Q U E E N S U N I T E D

ne of the most coveted titles as a varsity cheerleader is that of ‘captain.’ While each school and program have their different ways of awarding the position

O whether it be selected by coach based on leadership traits, voted on by the squad, or determined by highest score at tryouts there always needs to be something special about this individual that sets them apart and makes them stand out. From learning about the four young ladies that lead the varsity cheerleading squads that make up Marion County, there’s no question on why they were gifted the name and position. From Mamie Herring at Columbia High School to Lizzie Sullivan at Columbia Academy and then Natalie Holmes at West Marion to Tania Patrick at East Marion; these girls have put in the work and the time allotted. Coach Makayla McNease is aware of the magnitude that the position of being captain has and is grateful to have Herring as the captain at Columbia High School. She attributes her sweet demeanor and determined mindset to be a major factor in the betterment of the program. Similar sentiments can be stated for Lizzie Sullivan at Columbia Academy with her coach Andrea Thompson commenting on how much of a positive might Sullivan is in the lives of her athletes Coach Jodi Foxworth credits Natalie Holmes on alleviating some of the pressures off of her as a new coach with stepping up and taking charge at West MarionHigh School Two of the words coach Tibby Johnson used to describe Tania Patrick at East Marion High School would be 'creative' and 'disciplined' which has been a prominent tool in establishing morale for the team this season These four young women make the community of Marion County extremely proud and all have amazing things in store for their future.

F O U R S C H O O L S A N D F O U R L E A D E R S U N I T E T H E I R P R O G R A M S O N T H E I R Q U E S T F O R S U C C E S S

ONES TO WATCH

R

A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE COMES FULL CIRCLE

ometimes there are this sport that just

seem overwhelmingly right. One of those decisions is for Makayla McNease to be the one running the show and

leading the cheerleading program at Columbia High Schoo. When speaking of traditions,, McNease knows better than anyone, having experienced all of

S these milestones herself as an athlete, a former Wildcat cheerleader. " Every summer we host a Mini Cheer Camp for girls ages 4 12. We spend a week teaching cheers, chants, and dances. We play games and build the sweetest relationships with our minis At the first home game every year, the minis join the “big girls” on the sidelines to show off their skills during first quarter. It is the most adorable thing and quite frankly, the highlight of not only their summer, but our summer too. This is a tradition I have been a part of since I was a little girl and one I plan to continue for many many years to come."

The squad opted for a home camp with UCA this summer and it proved a positive experience for all. McNease said, "Camp is always a great bonding experience, but since we didn’t travel anywhere we were sure to have a slumber party on the final night after the performance. This camp was a great experience not only for the girls but for me as a coach to really get to know them and observe how they function under pressure. The girls caught on quickly and each of them strive to impress. They are competitive but remain good sports even in the face of adversity." McNease also cites the homecoming festivities at CHS one of her favorite traditions including a Thursday evening pep rally on the front lawn of the school and displaying her genuine Wildcat pride by singing the Alma Mater.

Although this is her first season coaching the Wildcats, McNease has a long and prosperous relationship with the program, winning state as an athlete in 2010. An exceptional flyer and tumbler, McNease went on to cheer at the collegiate level and became one of the youngest coaches to ever become head coach of the cheerleading squad at Pearl River Community College She revitalized the junior high cheerleading program at West Marion before taking over the Varsity squad as well In her short time back at Columbia, McNease has put an emphasis on effective sideline stunting, incorporating basket and pyramid work into game day situations and put a focus on correct motion technique With vast knowledge of the sport and a deep love for the Wildcats from McNease and skills, talent and determination form the athletes, it’s apparent that it will be a season to remember for Columbia Varsity

SENIORS

A former state champion as an athlete with Columbia, McNease is exactly the kind of leader this incredible program needed

Meliah McNease, Gabby Sims, Kaylee Ryals, Cayla Daniel, RaelynnMcKenzie

Ollie Herring, Cooper Smith, Olivia Johnson,MiaMicello,CamrynHaddox

Audrey Turnage, HeavenKelly

Mamie Herring, Lawren Phillips, Hayly Adkins, Hallie Haddox, Kathlynn Davis, JordanLott,MyersFoxworth,Mashanti McKenzie,MaryMichealWillis

MAMIE HERRING

MIA MICELLO

MELIAH MCNEASE

LAWREN PHILLIPS

decisions made in

TEAM BONDING, WILDCAT STYLE

Something really unique and interesting about this program is that each "rookie" is assigned a big sister at the beginning of the year. Some of the big sisters responsibilities include, but are not limited to: meeting with their little sisters to teach all gameday material before a certain date where they will be quizzed on their knowledge and performance. Not only does this promote team bonding, it incorporates an effective way of tackling gameday material.

F O O T B A L L S E A S O N P R E P

Once you become aColumbia Wildcat Varsity cheerleader, the work immediately starts with strenous and grueling summer practices. McNease is strategic with her plan of action for those first practices. "During our scheduled summer practices, we review gameday material quickly and then focus on improving stunt skills as a team "Once summer is over, it's time to really kick it into gear for the looming football season, and for McNease, even more thought go into precise planning and a laser focus on the details. "Once school starts, we go to the field and practice game day scenarios We perfect our initial runout to the sideline, running flags following touchdowns, formations and transitions, as well as timeout performances I make a list of every gameday scenario and will randomly call a scenario during practice. The girls show me exactly what they should do. We practice until it is perfect so that when game day rolls around, there should be no confusion " Anyone attending the football games at Columbia High School (or their away games) gets to see this squad run like a well oiled machine, with McNease in the driver's seat accelerating for perfection.

There is no lack of leadership nor positive influences among the upperclassmen at CHS and their captain, Mamie Herring is a shining bright examle of just that "Her positive attitude and sweet demeanor is exactly what rookie cheerleaders need in order to feel comfortable in the high school environment," McNease says of Herring. She is aided in help by co captain, Lawren Phillips, who McNease describes as "bold" and "straightforward with her expectations of he team," and also states how pleased she is with their partnership in leading their teammates. "The combination of Mamie and Lawren’s leadership style and personalities have provided a much needed balance to our squad Wehave a large seniorgroup this year and each of them bring a unique quality to the squad They all play a critical leadership role for our underclassmen.

One of the main reasons McNease began coaching was the inspiration she drew from her former coach at Columbia In a program with traditions that are all about paying it forward, McNease now coaches her former coach's two daughters as they are members of varsity

COUGARS ON THE PROWL FOR A SEASON OF MILESTONES

Celebrating a decade of memories coaching the Columbia Academy Cougars, coach Andrea Thompson is smooth sailing into one of her squad's strongest seasons.

The varsity cheerleading tteam of Columbia Academy has perfected a method of what works best for them when

it comes to the "road map" of their season This includes details regarding pep rally practices and coordinating themes, sideline procedures to keep gameday atmosphere exciting and fresh and of course igiving back to

ROSTER

SENIORS

LizzieSullivan,PeytonMcCain,MaggieWilks, Gracie Andrews, Rylee Anthony, Mary Paige Hudson,AnnaPriceMattox,LaurenMcDaniel, AshleeNicholson,LydiaPace

JUNIORS

ErnaCrain,OliviaHolmes,MollySauls

SOPHOMORES

Madison Bond, Blair Pounds, Madelyn Mckenzie, Maggie Kate Rogers, Macy Robertson

their community, remembering being an ambassador to your school is one of the most important jobs of a high school cheerleader. A Columbia Academy graduate herself, head coach Andrea Thompson admits that this year brings a special level of excitement with her squad, which includes a robust senior class of ten athletes. Following their annual tryouts each April,

practices began with the newly selected team. They build stunt groups, review and refresh sideline cheers and begin to form bonds with their teammates. Instead of participating in a more traditional style summer cheer camp, this summer CA varsity did a home camp with the award winning jones County Junior College cheer team and it proved to be an extremely positive experience for alll squad members.

Thompson bleeds orange and blue and has a definite love for Columbia Academy and her Cougarss. She has dedicated herself to this squad for the last ten years and has built a dynamite program with impressive results, including sending many of her athletes to cheer at the collegiate level over the courseofthepasttenyears

ONES TO

HEAD. COACH

ANDRREA THOMPSON

LIZZIE SULLIVAN

MAGGIE WILKS

ANNA PRICE MATTOX PEYTON MCCAIN

Attention to detail and proper and precise planning are two of the factors used by Thompson and her squad, especially when regarding pep rallies as CA does a pep rally for EVERY football game. "Every pep rally the girls always do a dance , cheer, games, band chants with our drum line and end with our fight song and always a prayer," Thompson confirms and also added that she beleives the Blackout pep rally to be the student body's favorite one of the season.

MINI CHEER MCAMP INI CHEER MCAMP INI CHEER CAMP

At the end of July, the Cougar varsity cheerleaders host aa mini cheer camp for students k3 6rh grade. This acts as the only fundraiser the girls do during their season The money raised from this goes directly to expenses for props and other materials needed for pep rallies At the first home game of the season, the mini cheer campers get to cheer alongside the varsity girls on the sidelines.

COUGARS NOT SHORT ON LEADERSHIP

With a senior class of ten athletes, leadership for the Cougars is in no short supply. Thompson commends captain Lizzie Sullivan assisted by co captains Peyton McCain and Maggie Wilks on helping lead and prepare this team for what is to be an incredibly special season for Columbia Academy "As a coach of 10 years, I can say that this year has been great so far, I enjoy these girls and they gel together so much! I can’t wait to see how my 10 seniors flourish." Thompson also complimented all of her senior group on contributing ideas

TROJAN PRIDE ON FULL DISPLAY

Determination, resiliency and unbreakable trust bond the Varsity squad at West Marion together.

ollowing the departure of Makayla McNease as the head cheerleading coach at West Marion High School,

uncertainty could have gotten the best of this group of athletes that make up the varsity cheerleading squad With the combination of an eager new coach in Jodi Foxworth and the team's steadfast resiliency, the Trojans are ready to hit this season even harder and to take advantage of every opportunity given to them.

The squad, which is lead by seasoned veterans of the sport, captain Natalie Holmes and co captain, Abby Powell, is optimistic and excited for new adventures, as they will be entering the coed division this season with the introduction of male, senior Dylon Pittman. Holmes, who has been training in coed flying for a number of seasons, was hopeful to be able to implement a coed style of stunting in addition with their group stunts. Coach Jodi Foxworth is stepping into her new role as coach both buoyant and determined. "We are practicing and improving cheers, chants, and band dances. Our cheerleaders are learning and perfecting new stunts to provide a wow factor for our fans. We becoming stronger crowd leaders and raising our energy in order to increase crowd participation and engagement."

are also working on

Foxworth has been a perfect fit since taking over the reigns of coaching Trojan cheerleading She has remained consistent with traditions of previous years, while being successful in inplementing new and beneficial changes to the program

HEAD. COACH

HEAD. COACH

NO OFF SEASON FOR WEST MARION

When envisioning summer break, one might think of relaxation, laying by the pool or sleeping in, but for the Trojan varsity cheer team, it meant work, work and more work. They kicked off their summer with the annual mini cheer camp, which is a fundraiser for the squad but also gives little Trojans the chance to work with the athletes they look up to and to be able to cheer alongside them at a football game in the fall. Next up was choreography and some camp prep at ACE polishing up some skills and learning new material. Finally the squad ventured to the beach to attend UCA Camp, racking up some awards and some All American winners in Natalie Holmes, Dylon Pittman, Kenzie Martin, and Keltey Whaley

While Foxworth might be new to the coaching game, she is aided in assistance by a strong leadership duo in captain Natalie Holmes and co captain, Abby Powell, as well as the other senior athletes on the team " Natalie and Abby are always enthusiastic and have strong team leadership skills; they both have the ability to entertain the crowd and to remain positive no matter the circumstance They never hesitate to help others and always go above and beyond for every cheer event such as mini cheer camp, fundraisers, hompetitions, summer camps, school spirit days, etc "

Foxworth also made sure to compliment her other seniors adding "A’Kaizyah Magee, Dylon Pittman, Jadyn Eaton, and Paris Thompson have the ability to bring spirit to old cheers and chants that energize the squad and increase gameday crowd participation "

Pep rallies for West Marion High School occur for home games, district games and all playoff games Foxworth stated that with the busy schedules of her athletes, many of them playing multiple sports, most of the preparation is done one day after school the week of the pep rally She describd the atmosphere as "hyped up" and "competitive," and that it "helped get the team in the right mindset for the upcoming game "

EAGLES READY TO ENTER NEW ERA OF CHEERLEADING

The varsity team at East Marion High School work towards continuing to maintain a culture of high school spirit and pride

A we got we are all we need," and coach Tibby Johnson says it is one that she reminds the members of her squad quite frequently. "We try to implement that atttuide throughout the nest because we know our students are not given the same opportunities as those at other schools. We are aware that we have to work harder, be smarter, and have a better attitude because we are Eagles." She also added that the squad takes every opportunity to use each time in front of a crowd as a performance and a way to show their love for their school, while also encouraging what ever team they are cheering for and to entertain the crowd. The squad is unique in the fact that they combine traditional cheerleading elements witha newer style of cheer called 'stomp and shake.' Johnson said tha she felt this made her team a more diverse one, adding "I think that we are the only team the uses stomp and shake cheer techniques, but it is a part of our culture and identity."

manta that the East Marion High School cheerleading team has adopted from their boys basketball team is "We are all

Tania Patrick, Anyla Jackson, Asia Lenoir,KaileyAllen,MarquiseDecuir

Ashyia Crowther, Atiyrah Chislom, RhyainBlankinship

TANIA PATRICK

ANYLA JACKSON

AALIYAH HLEWIS

ANNAH NEWSOME

Aaliyah Lewis, Brandi Conway , Crystal JohnsoN, Hannah Newsome, Heavenlynn Rawls,TamyraMatthews,ZionPayton

Callie Newsome, Kamryn Graves, Kaniya Toney,StarajaMcGowan

HEAD. COACH

TIBBY JOHNSON

Johnson pours her hert and soul into everything Eagles and East Marion High School cheerleading.

SUMMER AS AN EAGLE CHEERLEADER

The East Marion varsity cheer team has been in preparation for the season since they had tryouts in April. Once the ream was selected, practices began. The Eagles attended two camps this summer, one at Southwest with the cheerleading team there, as well as a more competitive style camp held at USM Johnson has stated that the combination of both camps were extremely positive for the Eagles with he Southwest camp giving her squad the opportunity to get lots of one on one help with stunting technique and form and the USM camp offered a more fast paced style of instruction. "At USM we are challenged to learn new material quickly, and execute for evaluation Though it was difficult, we won most improved squad, superior, and had several cheerleaders nominated for all American Cheer."

Leadership is another important factor in the success of Eagle cheerleading and Johnson states that she is more than pleased with the leadership positions on her squad "Our captains are Tania Patrick and Anyla Jackson Theycomplement each other very well. Tania is the creative one who brings discipline while Anyla is a nuturing teacher who helps everyone."

GAMEDAY AT EAST...

One word Johnson uses to describe the gameday atmosphere at East is "electrifying," and further describes the pep rallies on home games and the participation from the director of music and volleyball coach who help get the student body hyped up and on their feet "The cheerleaders, band, colorguard, and football team add in the excitement in their own special way." Another compelling factor about gameday at East is the introduction of the brand new student section in the bleachers, with Johnson claiming it already to be a success among students.